By Dareece Polo- Scores of Opposition supporters gathered outside Parliament yesterday afternoon, armed with placards, props, drums, and bells to express their frustration with the Government ahead of Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s tenth budget presentation.
Demonstrators came from constituencies controlled by the United National Congress (UNC), including Penal, Chaguanas, Couva, Mayaro, Manzanilla, Pointe-a-Pierre, and Claxton Bay. Small party groups from areas such as Sangre Grande, Toco, Arima and Diego Martin, which are controlled by the People’s National Movement (PNM), were also present.
Among the chants was a call for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his entire PNM administration to be replaced by the UNC.
For hours, UNC supporters chanted outside Parliament, braving intermittent rainfall to complain about rising crime, water issues, high gas prices, and inflation.
They expressed serious concerns about the state of the health sector, with Penal/Debe Regional Corporation vice chair Shanty Boodram donning a surgical gown to highlight her burgesses’ struggle with dengue.
“There is a dengue situation in Penal. What is Deyalsingh doing about it? There’s nothing happening in Penal!” she exclaimed.
“Water, oil prices, crime—everything that’s affecting us in this country right now. Simple basic commodities like water in Penal, residents have to suffer. For four weeks, Penal Quinam Road has not received a supply of water; Debidial Road, Lachoos Road—and they are going to present a budget, millions of dollars today, and then tomorrow morning there’s no money for anything in this country,” she added.
When PNM ministers arrived at Parliament, they were met with resounding boos from the crowd.
Dr Rowley, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, and Youth Development and National Service Minister Foster Cummings made their way inside without acknowledging the protesters.
As the demonstrations continued, property tax emerged as a central theme.
“I think it’s not the right time, and they should reconsider because we have a lot of poor people coming to our office every day, begging us. How are they going to move forward when they can’t even afford food or basic medical care? They can’t even afford basic amenities—doctor, a medical… this is what we have to face?” asked Sundar Jokhoo, councillor for Felicity/Endeavour.
This sentiment was echoed by Chaguanas deputy mayor Melissa Jadoonanan, who criticised the Government for failing to diversify the economy. She said that more attention should be given to tourism, which she believes has been overshadowed by culture and the arts, and called for increased investment in the manufacturing sector.
All heads of the six UNC-controlled corporations were present at the protest, including Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo, Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation chairman Ryan Rampersad, Sangre Grande Regional Corporation chairman Kenwyn Phillip, Chaguanas mayor Faaiq Mohammed, Princes Town Regional Corporation chairman Gowrie Roopnarine and Penal/Debe Regional corporation Chairman Gowtam Maharaj.
A document circulating online, purportedly from Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urged all mayors and corporation chairmen to participate in the protest.
In advising that there would be a critical protest at 12.30 pm yesterday, in which all mayors and chairmen should be present, it said, “Please note that attendance will be recorded, and the names of those who do not participate will be documented.”
However, Guardian Media reached out to several chairmen who could not verify the authenticity of the letter. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian).
